Task-based language learning and teaching June 13, 2017 0 Comments latl What is task-based language teaching? Task-based language learning and teaching (TBLT) was originally espoused by Prabhu (1987), who felt that focussing on particular elements of language should not be part of a task-based approach. Rather, he felt that it was best to focus on language incidentally while learners were completing a task. Task-based language learning […] Read More
See Monica Axelsson’s Prestige Lecture on newly-arrived migrants in Swedish schools March 12, 2017 0 Comments latl For those who weren’t able to attend Professor Monica Axelsson’s Prestige Lecture at the University of Canterbury on 9 February 2017, here is a second chance. The wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria have forced a high number of people to leave their countries and seek refuge elsewhere. Sweden, in the north of Europe, has […] Read More
Digital storytelling using ‘Little Story Creator’ for Apple devices March 7, 2017 0 Comments latl This tutorial will help you use ‘Little Story Creator’, a digital storytelling tool that can create a bridge between home and an early childhood education centre, especially for children growing up with more than one language around them. It was produced by Kendall and Jess, our Summer Scholars at the UC LATL-lab with the support […] Read More
SwitchIt Maker: A tool for very young learners and technophobes! February 24, 2017 0 Comments latl This tool (Spectronics, 2015) was designed to create resources for students with significant disabilities which made using a traditional mouse too difficult. SwitchIt presentations can be accessed via touchscreen, mouse or keyboard as well as special needs technologies such as switches, Intellikeys, trackball, and joystick. Lack of technical skills can inhibit learning (Pellerin, 2014; Sadler […] Read More
Affordances & Implications for Commonly Used Digital Tools February 15, 2017 0 Comments latl Classroom,Learning,Technology Skype Skype also has many functions for exchanging information both synchronously and asynchronously. It also allows its users to make free video or voice calls both individually or in groups; therefore, students who are unable to come to school can have lessons through Skype (Michels & Chang, 2011). Thanks to the voice calls on Skype, […] Read More
The fun of using Puppet Pal with primary school-aged language learners 0 Comments latl Language,Learning,research lab,Technology Context for learning The context for teaching and learning is an urban Primary School in Christchurch, New Zealand. Many more English Language Learners (ELLs) than before are enrolling at the present time and now represent one fifth of the school roll. The Primary School caters for Year 0-6 children and takes children from both in […] Read More
Empower Shyer Students Using Technology 0 Comments latl Classroom,Learning,research lab This article demonstrates how technology can empower the weaker, shyer, less able students and help the vociferous ones sit back and learn through listening. Warschauer, M. (1996). Comparing face-to-face and electronic discussion in the second language classroom. CALICO Journal, 13(2&3), 7-26. Research Findings This article investigates the participation levels of EFL students from different nationalities […] Read More
Can teachers and students learn together? 0 Comments latl Classroom,Language Teaching,Learning,Technology The formal or traditional approach to language learning is that the instructor helps students learn/gain knowledge about the language. Integration of technology in learning environments has not only enhanced the language learning process but has also enabled instructors to learn and acquire knowledge in various dimensions. A study carried by Park & Slater (2014) investigated […] Read More
Using online discussion forums to support learning of paraphrasing January 2, 2017 0 Comments latl Study Using online discussion forums to support learning of paraphrasing. British Journal of Educational Technology Research Question Can online discussion forums be used to teach isolated writing skills? Context The use of an ODF to teach paraphrasing as part of a writing course for ESL students. Methods Students were given a lecture on paraphrasing and […] Read More
A social network analysis of teaching and research collaboration in a teachers’ virtual learning community 0 Comments latl Study A social network analysis of teaching and research collaboration in a teachers’ virtual learning community. Research Question In what ways do VLC’s and FTF collaboration differ? Context A SNA was carried out from an IRIS social network community originally started by a teacher in Guangzhou, of 172 teachers collaborating. Methods A combination of data […] Read More